10 steps to good health with diabetes

Having diabetes requires a long-term commitment to manage your wellbeing.
Good diabetes management requires you to follow a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, healthy eating and regular appointments with your diabetes team.

What can you do?

Step 1
Follow a healthy eating plan which is low in fat, particularly saturated fat, high in fibre and includes carbohydrates in each meal.

Step 2
Participate in regular planned physical activity - aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on most days.

Step 3
Monitor your blood glucose levels and aim to keep them in your recommended range. Your range and the frequency of testing should be determined by your diabetes team.

Step 4
Have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked and treated as required.

Step 5
If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.

Step 6
Don't smoke.

Step 7
Check your feet daily for any changes.

Step 8
Have regular eye examinations.

Step 9
See your doctor regularly.

Step 10
Maintain a positive 'stay well' attitude.

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Diabetes Nutrition

Why is it important what I eat?
What you eat is closely related to the amount of sugar in their blood. The right food choices can help you with your blood sugar.

Do I need a special diet?
There is no "diabetes diet." Your doctor will probably suggest that working with a registered dietitian for a meal plan. A meal is a guide that tells you what kinds of food you can choose meals and snacks and how much time you have. For most people with diabetes (and not), a healthy diet consists of 40% to 60% of calories from carbohydrates, 20% protein and 30% or less fat.

Can I eat any sugar?
Yes, in recent years, doctors have learned that eating some sugar does not usually cause problems for most people with diabetes - if that is part of a balanced diet. Just be careful about the amount of sugar you eat and try not to eat sugar.

What types of foods I eat?
In general, for every meal you can 2-5 options (up to 60 grams) of carbohydrates, 1 choice of protein and certain fats. Talk to your doctor or dietitian for specific advice.

Carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables, beans, dairy products and starchy foods such as bread. Try to have fresh fruit instead of canned fruit (unless they are packed in water or in its own juice), fruit juices or dried fruits. You can eat fresh vegetables and canned or frozen vegetables. Condiments such as nonfat mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard are also carbs.

Protein.
Protein is found in meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, beans and vegetables. Try to eat poultry and fish more often than red meat. Do not eat the skin of poultry, and trim extra fat from all meat. Choose nonfat or low-fat dairy products like cheese and yoghurt.

Fat.
Butter, margarine, oils, butter and add fat to eat. Fat is also in many dairy products and meat. Try to avoid fried foods, mayonnaise-based dishes (unless they are made with non-fat mayonnaise), egg, bacon and high-fat dairy products. Your doctor or dietitian will tell you how many grams of fat to eat per day. If you eat fat-free versions of foods (such as mayonnaise and butter), check the label to see how many grams of carbohydrates they contain. Note that these products are often added sugar.

What happens if my blood sugar level above or below normal?
If your blood sugar is low, you can acidic, tired, confused, uncertain or sweaty hands. This is a condition known as hypoglycemia. This can happen after you have worked hard or exercise. You should check your blood sugar first, then drink juice or regular (not diet) soda immediately if your blood sugar level is too low. This would normally be your level back to normal.

If you are very thirsty, urinate a lot or blurred vision, your blood sugar level is too high. Check your blood sugar level and contact your doctor to know what to do.

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Foot Care in Diabetes

How diabetes affects my body?
Diabetes causes your blood sugar levels in the blood to be higher than normal. Over time, high levels of blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves in your body. Damage to the nerves means that you may have burning pain or lose feeling in a part of your body (this is called diabetic neuropathy). Damage to blood vessels in your feet means that your feet can not get a good blood supply.

Why should I worry more about my feet?
People with diabetes often have problems with their feet. Part of the problem is that the loss of feeling in your feet makes it difficult to know if you have a blister or sore. If little sores are not taken care of, which may worsen and become ulcers (serious, deep sores). If these ulcers are infected, you may have to go to hospital or, in very serious cases, have one foot amputee (retired). This brochure will give you some tips on caring for your feet.

How can I avoid problems with my feet?
Keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible. In addition, follow your doctor's advice about diet, exercise and medication.
Here are some other ways to protect your feet:
* Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water (not hot) water and mild soap.
* Dry your feet, especially between the toes. Use a soft towel and gently Pat, do not rub.
* Keep the skin on the feet without problems by applying a cream or lotion, lanolin, especially on the heels. If the skin is cracked, talk to your doctor about how to treat it.
* Keep your feet dry powder with the nonmedicated powder before putting on shoes, socks or stockings.
* Check your feet every day. You may need a mirror to look at the bottom of his feet. Call your doctor at the first sign of redness, swelling, pain that does not go away, or numbness or tingling in any part of your foot.
* Do not treat calluses, corns or bunions without talking to your doctor first.
* Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. Could help soak your toenails in warm water to soften before cutting.
* Do not let your feet too hot or too cold.
* Do not walk barefoot.

What should I look for when choosing shoes and socks?
* Do not wear shoes without socks.
* Do not wear sandals or other open-toed shoes.
* Avoid high heels and shoes with the toes pointed.
* Use well-padded socks or half that are 1 / 2 inch longer than your longest toe. Do not wear socks stretch nylon socks, socks with an elastic or league at the top, or socks with seams inside.
* Do not wear tight or uncomfortable shoes that rub or cut into their feet. If you've had problems before because of shoes that do not fit, you may want to be fitted with a custom-molded shoes.
* Talk to your doctor before you buy special shoes or inserts.
* Shop for new shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen. If the shoes are comfortable when your feet are swollen, probably be comfortable all day.
* Break in new shoes slowly with the use of them for no more than an hour a day for several days.
* Change socks and shoes every day. Have at least 2 pairs of shoes so you can change all the pairs another day.
* Look inside your shoes every day for things like gravel or torn linings. These things could rub against your feet and cause blisters or sores.

How often does my doctor check my feet?
Your doctor or nurse should periodically review their feet when you go for a visit. If you have any problems, such as loss of feeling, sores or ingrown toenails, tell your doctor right away.

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How do I check my blood sugar level?

Follow your doctor's advice and the instructions that come with the glucose meter. In general, you will follow the steps below. Different meters work differently, so be sure to check with your doctor for advice specifically for you.

1. Wash your hands and dry them well before doing the test.
2. Use an alcohol pad to clean the area that you're going to prick. For most glucose meters, you will prick your fingertip. However, with some meters, you can also use your forearm, thigh or the fleshy part of your hand. Ask your doctor what area you should use with your meter.
3. Prick yourself with a sterile lancet to get a drop of blood. (If you prick your fingertip, it may be easier and less painful to prick it on one side, not on the pad.)
4. Place the drop of blood on the test strip.
5. Follow the instructions for inserting the test strip into your glucose meter.
6. The meter will give you a number for your blood sugar level.

Tips on blood sugar testing
* Pay attention to expiration dates for test strips.
* Use a big enough drop of blood.
* Be sure your meter is set right.
* Keep your meter clean.
* Check the batteries of your meter.
* Follow the instructions for the test carefully.
* Write down the results and show them to your doctor.


How often should I check my blood sugar level?
Check your blood sugar as often as your doctor suggests. You'll probably need to do it more often at first. You'll also check it more often when you feel sick or stressed, when you're changing your medicine or if you're pregnant. People taking insulin may need to check their levels more often. Keep track of your blood sugar levels by writing them down. You can also keep track of what you've eaten and how active you've been during the day. This will help you see how food and exercise affect your blood sugar level.

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